More than 130 candidates are expected to contest the May 12 general election in The Bahamas, according to Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson, who said the nomination process proceeded largely without major issues.
Thompson reported that nominations across the country’s 41 constituencies went mostly as expected, with only limited challenges in a few areas.
“From all indications, my team did what they were supposed to do, and it would appear that everything went well,” Thompson said, noting that no applications were rejected. He acknowledged minor issues in Fort Charlotte, Pinewood, and Garden Hills, including questions surrounding the qualifications of some candidates.
“The conclusion was that everybody who appeared to be nominated was nominated. They presented the documents that they needed to be nominated with, and the returning officers accepted them,” he added.
Early indications suggest approximately 130 nominees across the 41 constituencies. Thompson said the number of independent candidates was lower than anticipated.
“We thought it would be more independents, but the amount of independents didn’t move up to what we expected,” he said, adding that another party initially expected to field candidates ultimately did not nominate anyone.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip Davis, who is leading the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) into the elections, expressed optimism about the party’s chances.
“I’m exhilarated by the fact that I’m taking another step and to be amongst a unique group of persons, or could be, who would next be elected to Parliament,” Davis said after his nomination in the Cat Island, Rum Cay, and Salvador constituency.
Flanked by his wife Ann Marie and grandchildren, Davis expressed gratitude to constituents and highlighted the party’s candidate mix.
“Our team is experienced. We have young candidates as well. So we have a mix of experience and neophytes who will bring with them the energy and vision of the youth to mix with the experience that we already have,” he said.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, who is contesting the Marco City constituency for the Free National Movement (FNM), also expressed confidence heading into the polls.
“We are confident that the people will speak and that they will speak for change and that change will be the Free National Movement,” Pintard said, adding that the party would continue to hold the government accountable for unmet promises.
Pintard said the FNM would also present its vision for Grand Bahama and the wider country during the campaign.
In the September 16, 2021 general election, Davis led the then-opposition PLP to a decisive victory over the FNM, winning 32 of the 39 parliamentary seats.
Meanwhile, controversy has emerged surrounding the PLP’s Fort Charlotte candidate Sebas Bastian, who has declined to respond to claims that his nomination may violate constitutional disclosure requirements related to government contracts.
The issue was raised by Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition of Independents, following Bastian’s nomination.
Under Article 48(1)(j) of the Bahamian Constitution, candidates with interests in government contracts must disclose those interests in the Gazette within one month before election day.
Bain argued that Bastian should have disclosed such interests by April 12. However, PLP spokesman Latrae Rahming said the party believes Bastian has not breached the constitution.
The PLP’s lead elections attorney Valentine Grimes also maintained that the disclosure requirement applies within the one-month period before the election, not prior to it.
“We will ensure that it is complied with. It is an issue we have looked into, and we have always sought to comply with that provision,” Grimes said, adding that candidates with government contracts in New Providence would make the necessary disclosures.
He added that if the Parliamentary Registration Department does not publish Bastian’s disclosure on Nomination Day, the party will ensure it is gazetted within the constitutionally mandated timeframe.
